Any suggestions for what town/village to stay in that will be most central? I currently have accommodations for two nights in Cambarco. Should we change our stay to Potes or ? Cambarco seems more remote but we are able to get an apartment for a very good price. Even though there are just two of us, it is nice to have the extra space to move around and actually have someplace to put our luggage. Any ideas, suggestions, tips are appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Posted by
Barcelona ☀️ Sweden ❄️
3897 posts
If you are looking for a nice river-side medieval town with shops and restaurants, Potes would fit the bill, it's a good balance between nature and civilisation, I liked Potes a lot. For me, Cambarco seems a bit too quite and remote, probably not too much life there at night.
If you are looking for an alternate idea, consider staying at a Parador, it can be quite the experience and not too expensive! I stayed at the Parador at Fuente Dé, very nice mountain chalet located at the base of a spectacular valley. There is a traditional restaurant on site and a modern cable car that zips you up to the peaks of the mountains.
By far, my favorite restaurant in the Picos de Europa is a rustic tavern called Mesón del Oso, which has fantastic local cuisine of the region.
Posted by
Paris
6887 posts
If it fits your budget and don't mind eating at the restaurant, I highly recommend Hotel del Oso in Cosgaya, near Potes.
Posted by
Barcelona ☀️ Sweden ❄️
3897 posts
Hotel del Oso, that Balso recommends above, is also a great option, but very popular! I was in between Hotel del Oso and the Parador de Fuente Dé, but ended up going to the Parador. My favorite Picos de Europa restaurant I mention above, Meson del Oso, is actually part of Hotel del Oso too.
Posted by
OP
Corona, CA, USA
70 posts
Thank you for the great suggestions! I'm now torn between the Parador (seems to have availability and has quite reasonable price) and Apartamento El Nial de Potes (I have reserved). We will check out your restaurant suggestions. Thank you so much!
We stayed at two Paradores last time we were in Spain. Highly recommend the one in Cuenca and Tortosa just south of Barcelona. Very nice experiences!
Posted by
OP
Corona, CA, USA
70 posts
The Parador De is about half-hour from Potes. Will my husband kill me if I do one night in Potes and one night at the Parador? I love both!
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
6525 posts
We came into Picos from the other direction, through Cangas de Onis and enjoyed that town and its medieval bridge. There is a Parador there too. Believe Cangas de Onis is about 12 miles from the Sanctuary de Covadonga.
Posted by
Paris
6887 posts
Avoid one nighters, if in doubt I'd do both nights at the Parador, unless you plan a lot of car based sightseeing in which case Potes is the better choice.
Posted by
Fairfax, Virginia
330 posts
What are you planning to do there, and where are you coming from and going next? You might consider Poncebos or Arenas de Cabrales if you are going to be hiking and/or are comiong from or heading to other places in the north. There are a fair number of rental apartments around Arenas de Cabrales.
Posted by
Barcelona ☀️ Sweden ❄️
3897 posts
Agree with Balso, if you don't have a car or want not to drive too much, the Fuente De Parador does have some pretty good trails one can take the cable car up to: https://www.bugbog.com/gallery/spain_pictures/fuente-de-trails/